Cabbage, short for "Cabbage," is a cruciferous biennial vegetable and one of the most commonly grown vegetables during spring, summer, and autumn. With changes in agricultural practices, the planting area has gradually expanded nationwide. After several years of research and field trials, we have successfully developed high-yield seed production techniques, increasing yields from 45-50 kilograms per mu to 90-100 kilograms. Below are the key technical points for cabbage seed production.
First, seedling cultivation.
1. Sowing should be done in early September based on test results, with parents sown in stages. Choose well-drained, fertile soil and create raised beds 1.2 meters wide and 20 meters long. Dig drainage ditches around the beds and apply 200-250 kg of well-rotted manure and 2.5 kg of diammonium phosphate. Perform shallow tilling 2-3 times to ensure the soil is fine and smooth. Before planting, water the bed and spread a thin layer of topsoil. Mix the seeds with sand and evenly distribute them in the bed, then cover with 0.5-1 cm of fine soil.
2. Transplant seedlings when they have 2-3 true leaves. Space them 60-70 cm apart on the same bed. Apply 200-250 kg of composted manure and 2.5 kg of compound fertilizer per bed. Spread the fertilizer 3-4 times. In the nursery bed, dig small trenches, water them, and plant the seedlings by hand, pressing the soil gently.
3. During the seedling stage, regular watering is essential during dry periods. Insect pests are common, so timely spraying is necessary. Before watering, loosen the soil. When about 5% of the leaves appear, apply a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers (2-3 kg per plant) through irrigation.
Second, winter survival management.
The key to successful overwintering is ensuring the plants can withstand low temperatures and avoid premature bolting. The stem diameter should be over 0.7 cm, leaf width over 5 cm, and the temperature should be between 5°C and 6°C to complete vernalization. By winter, the plant should have a loose head of leaves, with a stem diameter over 1 cm.
Third, preparation before planting.
1. Ensure that there are no other cabbage varieties or related crops like cauliflower, broccoli, rape, or kale within 2,000 meters to prevent cross-pollination.
2. Prepare the soil by applying 5,000 tons of organic fertilizer, 15 kg of diammonium phosphate, and 20 kg of compound fertilizer per 667 square meters. Plow and make raised beds 1 meter wide, level the surface, and install drainage systems for planting.
3. Plant seedlings that have not been damaged by frost as early as possible, ideally in mid-March. Maintain a 1:1 ratio of male to female parents. Avoid mixing seedlings before planting. Plant two rows per bed with a spacing of 0.4-0.5 meters, totaling 2,800-3,000 plants per 667 square meters. Arrange parent lines in separate rows and interplant to facilitate management and synchronize flowering.
Fourth, post-planting management.
1. Water thoroughly after planting and apply 15 kg of urea per 667 square meters depending on soil fertility and plant growth. Control watering before and after flowering to prevent excessive growth. During the flowering period, apply 15-20 kg of NPK fertilizer per 667 square meters, ensuring adequate water supply and reducing it gradually before harvest.
2. Remove hybrid strains before flowering. Regular field inspections are essential to identify and remove inferior or mixed plants, ensuring seed purity.
3. Adjust the flowering period of the parents to ensure they bloom at the same time, which is crucial for producing pure F1 seeds.
4. Provide support using bamboo stakes or ropes to prevent lodging. Prune and remove side shoots to promote branching and increase yield.
5. Pollinate using bees, which significantly improve seed set. Place beehives in the field and perform artificial pollination when necessary.
6. Pest control: Common pests include aphids, cabbage worms, and leaf miners. Use imidacloprid or Wan Ling for aphids and green leaf Po for leaf miners. Spray once daily after May 20, and up to three times if needed.
Fifth, timely seed harvesting.
Harvesting too early results in underdeveloped seeds, reducing yield and quality. Harvesting too late may cause pods to burst, leading to seed loss. Therefore, it's important to monitor the maturity of the seeds and harvest at the right time.
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